Endurancelife Classic Quarter – Cornwall

About the event

From the organiser

The Endurancelife Classic Quarter is a 44.5 mile Ultra Marathon along the south Cornish coast in the UK.

First hosted in 2007 each year the event grows in global reputation.

The task is brutally simple: to run non-stop from the southern most point of England (Lizard Point), to the western most tip (Land's End),along the legendary South West Coast Path. This translates to running 90 degrees of the compass, hence the name, Classic Quarter.

The challenge can be undertaken as a solo, relay team of two, or relay of four. The atmosphere is of keen and friendly rivalry.

Following 44 miles of the mesmerising South West Coast Path there are innumerable steep climbs and descents. This is the ultimate trail runner's rush, with spectacular exposure and challenging terrain all just a stones throw away from the potentially pounding Atlantic swells. There is also the unpredictable weather to contend with along the way and every runner must be well prepared, both mentally and physically.

Marathon des Cote (186mile, 3 Day Ultra)

About the event

From the organiser

The 'Marathon of the Coast' is run from St Dogmaels on the North Pembrokeshire / Ceredigion border and takes in the entire 186 miles of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (The UKs only coastal National Park) and finishes at Amroth on the South Pembrokeshire / Carmarthenshire border.

The path is made up mainly of rugged uneven ground which covers a diverse route that will see you run high along open and exposed sea cliffs as well as underneath them at sea level as you pass through the numerous fishing hamlets, villages and towns as well as taking you through some of the most iconic and historic locations in Wales.

The course is visually stunning and due to the nature of the terrain and the elevation loss and gain being over 30,000ft it is also one of the most difficult you will run anywhere in the world. This really is a bucket list run!

Dixons Carphone Race To The Stones

About the event

From the organiser

The Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones is a fully supported 100km challenge along the iconic Ridgeway. You can run it or walk it from the start line in Oxfordshire to the finish next to the 5,000-year-old stone circle at Avebury. Complete the 100km non-stop or break it into two days staying at our overnight basecamp.

Was my first Ultra and an awesome race to get going on. Marshalls were fantastic and a really great atmosphere all the way round. It can get pretty hot and exposed. Tip: Walk up pretty much all the hills, event the guys right at the front do it

Bath Two Tunnels Railway Races – August

About the event

From the organiser

A fast out and back course with lots of PB potential through Bath's Combe Down and Devonshire Tunnels - disused railway tunnels which until 2013 were sealed and inaccessible. This unique and truly special race takes in many of Bath's beautiful attractions, and also has the longest underground sections of any running race in the UK! Start and finish will be in Brickfields Park in the middle of the City - a green park with children's playground, a great spot to sit and enjoy a picnic after the race.

Reviews

It was hot!! The event organisers planned for this with lots of reminders about how to run the race prior to setting us off. This was a brilliant event. I thoroughly enjoyed running this race and will definitely do it again!

Endurancelife Exmoor Marathon

About the event

From the organiser

Exmoor National Park is one of England's best kept secrets, and this stage takes place in the lesser known western area of the National Park where a trail runner's mecca lies. The course encompasses stiff climbs and long descents, open moorland, thickly wooded combes (valleys), historical ruins, dizzying cliffs, exquisitly beautiful rivers and a stretch of coastline that is unsurpassed. We are confident that there is no course in Britain that offers such a variety of terrain within such a compact area. This truly is trail running territory at its best. The Exmoor course is widely regarded as the toughest course in The Series and is definitely a grueling test of endurance for even the very hardest trail and fell runners.

Reviews

Really stunning and super hard course. If there's any rain pre event this is definitely a course for trail shoes - I had trainers on and lots of slipping around the place. Definitely walk up the big inclines and study the course profile before hands. There are a few bits - especially towards the end - that you can get into a good rhythm of running but a lot in the first 2/3rds that's just rolling up and down. Make sure you preserve your legs on the downhills - very easy to blow your knees out!

Endurancelife Pembrokeshire Marathon

About the event

From the organiser

As Britain's only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is justifiably famous for its rugged cliffs, quiet coves, expansive sandy bays, picturesque coastal village and its abundance of marine life. The coastal trails here are wild and exposed, with undulating terrain and spectacular views. The course is challenging but the views presented to you around each corner make this a beautiful course that must be experienced.